Talk to me about driving on 307

fairydogmother · #1 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 03:19 PM

We are arriving on Thursday and have decided to rent a car this time for a few day trips. Can anyone give me some tips on driving, rules of the road, etc that may differ from what we are accustomed to in Canada/US?

Libby · #2 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 04:25 PM

John and I are about to head out onto Highway 307. We'll try to remember the things that have become second nature to us, and report back tonight or tomorrow.

SUNBABY · #3 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 04:29 PM

Last time I was there, they were still doing construction south of Playa, Have they opened any of the new lane yet? And how far south?

maliasma · #4 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 04:39 PM

Just be in for an experience you'll never forget.

Let me just put it this way...I don't like hubby's driving...and he fit right in driving up and down 307.

Don't worry, though.

PlayaLove · #5 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 04:45 PM

Just take your time and be very very aware of the other drivers and big buses and you should be ok. Just watch out for the police they seem to know who is a tourist and who isn't.

Have a great vacation

maliasma · #6 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlayaLove

Just take your time and be very very aware of the other drivers and big buses and you should be ok. Just watch out for the police they seem to know who is a tourist and who isn't.

Have a great vacation

The gas stations are what get us every time...they're sneaky fellers. Any tricks on how to outsmart the 15 or so guys it takes to fill up one teeny rental car??

PlayadelSoul · #7 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 04:55 PM

I just got back from a roundtrip to Cancun. 307 is getting better. I do not recommend driving it at night or when it rains. Thats just me, though. Plenty of people do it with no problems.

It is a normal highway, with a couple of intersections that are dangerous. One is between Puerto Morelos and Cancun (an Oxxo, among other things) and a series of surprise speed bumps along the path. Just stay aware, and you will be fine. And, don't drink, if you plan to drive. Lot of military checkpoints, these days.

Babaloo · #8 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlayaLove

Just take your time and be very very aware of the other drivers and big buses and you should be ok. Just watch out for the police they seem to know who is a tourist and who isn't.

Have a great vacation

that rental car sticker is a dead giveaway

and do be observant at Pemex...they are notorious for the bill switch (a 500 peso note for a 50 peso note)

and wear your seatbelt...it's enforced now

and drive defensively and at times offensively

fairydogmother · #9 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Babaloo

and drive defensively and at times offensively

I think I can do that - that's how I drive at home

I was reading some other sites about different rules for left hand turns, but I have never seen anyone actually doing that there, so I was wondering.

I plan on taking a spin through the yard at Paamul just to check things out so I'll wave as I go by!

Thanks for all the replies!

SUNBABY · #10 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 07:32 PM

I will give you some advice on 307. You cannot make a left turn from the left lane. Pull over to the right shoulder if there is no exit and turn on your left signal. (wierd, I know). When the traffic is clear, turn left.

If you want to pass a car, signal left, they should pull over to the right shoulder to let you pass, sometimes they won't. You should also pull to the right shoulder when you see a car signal to pass you. Remember, this is the Mexican custom. Most tourists do not know these rules.

Hopefully, someone can answer us about how far south the 2 lanes go.

fairydogmother · #11 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SUNBABY

I will give you some advice on 307. You cannot make a left turn from the left lane. Pull over to the right shoulder if there is no exit and turn on your left signal. (wierd, I know). When the traffic is clear, turn left.

If you want to pass a car, signal left, they should pull over to the right shoulder to let you pass, sometimes they won't. You should also pull to the right shoulder when you see a car signal to pass you. Remember, this is the Mexican custom. Most tourists do not know these rules.

Hopefully, someone can answer us about how far south the 2 lanes go.

that's 'zackly the kind of info I was looking for - thanks!

SUNBABY · #12 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fairydogmother

that's 'zackly the kind of info I was looking for - thanks!

I kinda figured that. I was a little pressed for time earlier. Drive very defensively. It wasn't so bad in the past, but now there are so many 18- wheelers and busses, it is downright scary. Down there, you DO need a backseat driver also paying attention.

BTW, Exits for several places like Akumal require you to use the exits. You just follow them to the right and it will half circle you back to the highway. Then when it is clear, cross over.

T.J. · #13 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 07:53 PM

Don't have a problem with driving on 307 or any other road I have been on. Have not seen anything that I have not had to deal with in the states.

Maybe I'm one of the crazy drivers everyone bit@*s about.

Just be aware of what is happening around you.

Libby · #14 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maliasma

The gas stations are what get us every time...they're sneaky fellers. Any tricks on how to outsmart the 15 or so guys it takes to fill up one teeny rental car??

Instead of telling them to fill 'er up, tell them how much you want to spend. If possible, tell them the amount in Spanish. Have the bill ready in your hand. Make sure they enter the dollar amount you gave them. Once they start pumping, you'll see the dollar amount start going down, and it'll automatically stop at 0.

I know it's hard to tell how much gas you need with a rental car. With our 11 gallon tank, 200 (doscientos) pesos almost fills it up.

Most importantly, don't look afraid. They can smell fear a mile away!

T.J. · #15 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Libby

Most importantly, don't look afraid. They can smell fear a mile away!

I agree. That is the most important rule.

Libby · #16 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SUNBABY

Last time I was there, they were still doing construction south of Playa, Have they opened any of the new lane yet? And how far south?

You know, we actually went south, but I can't remember exactly how far down they had made it with the lane extensions. John says it's about 10 miles north of Tulum. I think it gets down to one lane (in each direction) about where Chemuyil and Aktun Chen are.

Libby · #17 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 08:28 PM

I think Sunbaby, Playadelsol, & Babaloo pretty much covered it. Going south from Playa, there are now left turning lanes at the retornos in the stretch of highway that has been expanded.

Another thing to keep in mind is the use of hazards. If you see cars ahead of you with their hazard lights on, it means some type of "hazard" is coming up, so slow down and turn on your hazards to warn the people behind you. People here tend to drive fast and brake at the last moment, expecting traffic to keep moving. Hazards tell them to brake early and expect the unexpected.

Oh, and watch out for those speed bumps! Actually, watch for the signs. The speed bumps themselves may be difficult to see.